Capital Plan FY2023

Introduction

The FY2023 budget for Chicago Public Schools (CPS) includes a capital budget totaling $644.5 million of investments that will focus on priority facilities needs at neighborhood schools; mechanical systems which control the indoor environment and air quality of our schools; ADA accessibility; restroom modernizations; student recreation and athletic improvements; site improvements; and continued expansion of technology upgrades and other academic priorities. To support schools throughout the city, the FY2023 capital plan provides funding in five main areas: critical facility needs, interior improvements, programmatic investments, site improvements, and IT and security upgrades.

CPS is committed to promoting equitable access to high-quality school environments, and equity served as the foundation for the FY2023 capital plan. The District's Equity Office played an important role in developing the FY2023 capital proposal by helping to ensure that resources are distributed fairly and equitably across CPS schools so that all students can share in the District's record-setting progress. In addition, the FY2023 capital budget planning process included several enhancements, most notably around transparency and community outreach. The District conducted five public meetings and evaluated over 2,200 survey responses to gather community input during the capital plan development process. 

The CPS facility portfolio includes 522 campuses and 803 buildings. Our average facility age is over 82 years old, and the total CPS critical facility need is over $3 billion. Since FY2016, CPS has invested over $3 billion into capital improvements across the District. These projects include major renovations to ensure our schools stay warm and dry, facility construction to relieve overcrowding, security cameras to provide a safer environment for our children, and renovations to aid programmatic enhancements, among others. Additionally, CPS is investing $100 million over five years to ensure all CPS campuses are more accessible.  

The FY2023 capital budget is primarily funded by future issuance of general obligation bonds which are principally repaid by Evidence-Based Funding (EBF). (For more information, please see the Debt Management chapter of the budget book.) A portion of the FY2023 budget is also funded by Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds, state funding, and other outside resources as they become identified.

Full details on the FY2023 capital budget are available on the interactive capital plan website located in the "how to use this site" navigation box. The site allows users to quickly select projects by school, geographic area, type, and year.

CPS’ capital plan aligns with the priorities outlined in the draft Educational Facilities Master Plan. Future projects will be determined by equity, assessed need, educational priorities, and available funding.

District Equity Index to Prioritize Investments

In recent years, the District has focused on prioritizing investments that promote equitable access to high-quality learning environments. To advance this work, the District will continue to utilize the Equity Index, a tool to help identify opportunity differences so that resources can be prioritized for the schools in greatest need. The equity index, which was informed by community feedback, was central to the development of this year’s capital plan.

Funding from Tax Increment Financing

CPS has a significant backlog of deferred critical facility needs so additional funding is always pursued in order to help mitigate some of this backlog. One of these outside funding sources is the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds, which are approved in a variety of categories.

Utilizing the $152 million in TIF funding, CPS is planning significant capital exterior envelope work, mechanical renovations, chimney stabilizations, fire alarm system replacement, playground replacement, and site improvements at 47 campuses.

Priority Facility Needs at Neighborhood Schools

Every student deserves to access a neighborhood school that is warm, safe, and dry, and - in addition to the $152 million in TIF funding for exterior envelope work, mechanical renovations, chimney stabilizations, fire alarm system replacement, playground replacement, and site improvements - CPS is allocating $312 million in funding for critical maintenance projects and interior improvements. As part of our commitment to equity, the District is prioritizing renovations at neighborhood schools throughout the city to ensure all students can learn and grow in school buildings that support high-quality learning environments.  

The FY2023 capital budget addresses the District’s priority renovation projects and most urgent facility needs. We will invest in 17 major roof and envelope projects and 14 renovations to mechanical systems. Along with these projects, the funding will provide:

• $87 million for priority roof, envelope, and mechanical projects;
• $50 million for unanticipated emergency repairs;
• $80 million for district maintenance priorities;
• $20 million for modular refurbishment;
• $10 million for masonry remediation;
• $45 million for interior improvements;
• $5 million for fire alarm system replacement;
• $5 million for chimney stabilization; and
• $10 million for mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) minor repair/replacement.

Support for Students with Physical Limitations

We will invest $30.5 million to increase Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility in 28 schools as part of a multi-year program to ensure all CPS buildings have first-floor accessibility. Starting with the FY2021 Capital budget, CPS committed to spending $100 million over five years to improve the accessibility of parking lots, main entrances, main offices, and public restrooms.

Programmatic Investments to Build Upon School Success

CPS is investing $20 million in student recreation and athletic resources, continuing the District’s stadium and swimming pool refurbishment program. The budget also includes $35 million of TIF funding in programmatic and facility needs investments at Dett ES.

Site Improvements that Foster Learning

This year’s capital budget includes $65.2 million to design and build new playgrounds, playlots, and school yards at over 50 schools across the city so that students can benefit from a well-rounded education that promotes healthy and active development. In addition, $12.5 million will be allocated to improve parking lots and replace turf fields. 

IT, Security, and Building System Investments

In FY2023, we are also continuing our multi-year investment in the Technology Modernization Program and high-speed internet for schools throughout the city. In FY2023, the District is allocating $20 million to upgrade school network infrastructure to address equitable connectivity, replace aging hardware at schools, and upgrade our data warehouse and data backups.

Finally, to support student safety at every school, $8 million will fund new security equipment including cameras, intercom phones, alarms, and screening equipment.

Five-Year Capital Plan

CPS’ five-year capital plan will include further investments in deferred maintenance, targeted site improvements, and emergency projects. Future projects will be determined by assessed need, district educational priorities, and an equitable distribution of available funding. Starting with the investments being made in the FY2023 capital plan, CPS intends to target annual capital funding of approximately $553 million as part of its five-year capital investment strategy.